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AGL News

Women in Energy
Demi Athanasopoulos

 

“I’m proud to be surrounded by high-calibre people who work hard and are passionate about what they do.”

 – Demi Athanasopoulos, Head of Engineering and Projects, AGL.

Portrait photo of Demi Athanasopoulos

I lead a team of 50+ Engineers and Project Managers  

My team is responsible for ensuring the reliable operation of our electricity generation assets, including hydroelectric, wind, solar, battery storage and gas‑fired power stations, as well as site‑based Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and automation systems.  We do this by championing strong engineering standards, maintaining regulatory compliance, driving high‑quality design practices, and delivering capital investment projects that support AGL’s priorities.

My team motivates me to bring my best, every day I’m proud to work alongside high-calibre people who work hard and are passionate about what they do. I value collaboration, the opportunity to learn from one another, and the shared drive to solve complex problems. My team is a big part of why I look forward to coming to work.  
 
I also appreciate the development opportunities. Whether it’s working on special projects, taking secondments, or accessing training and conferences, they demonstrate AGL’s commitment to growth – something that matters deeply to me.

Energy industry allows engineers to build and support entire communities

I worked in the fuel industry for 21 years before joining AGL four years ago. I was keen to explore how I could continue my journey in powering communities in a sustainable manner and the growth in renewable energy really excited me. An opportunity to join AGL was the perfect fit, and the skills I developed in fuel were entirely transferrable, giving me the opportunity to learn in a new energy sector – electricity generation.

My energy career advice to women and girls  

In my 25+ years in the energy industry, it’s been encouraging to see more women entering the field, though there is still progress to be made. I’ve been fortunate to have strong male allies who have supported me both personally and professionally. That began with the most influential ally in my life – my dad – who taught me from a young age that I was capable of anything a man could do. Having similar allies throughout my career has been a game changer.

My advice is to seek out allies – both men and women – who genuinely believe in you and your abilities and reinforce your strengths, especially during moments when self‑doubt or imposter syndrome creeps in. You deserve to be here. You’ve earned your place. And those around you see your potential.


Join us in shaping an inclusive energy future


We’re focused on driving change across our business toward a more gender equal AGL so we can continue to play a leading role in creating an inclusive energy future for Australia. Interested in joining us?